ScotRail worker from Lanarkshire backs campaign that can help save lives by encouraging conversation

dailyrecord.co.uk:

A quick-thinking Wishaw woman who helped prevent someone from acting on thoughts about taking their own life is backing a Samaritans campaign.Since launching in 2017, Small Talk Saves Lives has been raising awareness in railway stations and other public places about the need to trust your instincts and start a simple conversation if you think someone might need help.Megan Moore, 28, from Netherton works as an external relations assistant for ScotRail in Glasgow.She was part of the company’s social media team, and working alone on a weekend shift last year responding to customers’ queries, when a message came in that immediately raised a red flag.The Lanarkshire Live app is available to download now.

Get all the news from your area – as well as features, entertainment, sport and the latest on Lanarkshire’s recovery from the coronavirus pandemic – straight to your fingertips, 24/7.The free download features the latest breaking news and exclusive stories, and allows you to customise your page to the sections that matter most to you.Head to the App Store and never miss a beat in Lanarkshire - iOS - Android “It came through on our WhatsApp from a person who said they wanted to apologise to the driver of one of our services out of Glasgow Queen Street,” said Megan. “They said it was nothing personal and they hoped it wouldn’t affect the driver for too long.“I responded by offering to help and speak to them.

The messages I got back made it clear they wanted to take their own life.“I was also part of the Suicide Prevention team within ScotRail so I tried to get information from the person to find out where they were.”Megan had completed a course on dealing with people in distress but admits she was wary of saying the wrong thing